đź“… Thursday, October 23, 2025
🏟️ Hamz Stadium, Nakivubo
The highly anticipated Kampala derby returns on Thursday, October 23, as Express FC welcomes KCCA FC to Hamz Stadium, Nakivubo, for what promises to be a charged encounter, though both teams enter the clash weighed down by early-season inconsistencies in the 2025/26 Uganda Premier League campaign.
Despite the historical prestige surrounding this fixture, the current state of affairs finds both clubs grappling for rhythm.
KCCA FC, appear to hold a slight edge after collecting a 2-1 victory over SC Villa and grinding out draws against Kitara FC and Lugazi FC in their last three outings.
Express FC, meanwhile, are still searching for form and cohesion. The Red Eagles opened the season brightly with a 1-0 win over UPDF FC, courtesy of Herbert Asiimwe, but have since stumbled, losing 2-1 to Police FC and settling for a draw against URA FC.
Defensively, Express have looked fragile, particularly after losing key figures from last season. The departure of Herbert Achai and Dowson Mafumu to KCCA FC has left a gaping hole at the back.
Ashiraf Mbazira, once a defensive pillar, has struggled without his former partners, while new recruits Faizo Kyazze Wamala (from Kira United), Derrick Ngoobi, and Joseph Ziwa are still adjusting to the demands of top-flight football.
Offensively, head coach Badru Kaddu will hope that the likes of Muhammad Ssenoga Kagawa, Richard Basangwa, Henry Wamala Kalagi, and Herbert Asiimwe can deliver a spark in front of their home crowd.
Veteran Moses Oloya and lively winger Elvis Ssekajugo offer attacking options, but the team’s creativity remains below par compared to their city rivals.
For KCCA FC, the challenge has been consistency rather than squad quality. Despite losing Usama Arafat to Vipers SC, the Kasasiro Boys retained key players such as Joel Sserunjogi and strengthened their core with the return of captain and goalkeeper Charles Lukwago.
Defensively, the inclusion of Hassan Muhamood, Enock Walusimbi, and Herbert Achai has improved stability.
Upfront, the arrival of Ivan Ahimbisibwe adds firepower alongside Emmanuel Anyama, a pairing expected to trouble the Express backline.
However, both camps will miss notable names. Express FC are without Ramsey Kawooya (injury), Jimmy Logoro (academic commitments), and John Asiimwe, who is on U17 World Cup duty.
KCCA FC, on the other hand, are missing co-head coach Brian Ssenyondo, as well as youngsters Brian Jjara and Pius Ogema, all with the national U17 team.
When these two met last, KCCA FC cruised to a 3-0 win at Nakivubo, courtesy of Julius Poloto (now at SC Villa). In their last five encounters, both sides have managed two victories apiece, with one stalemate — setting the stage for another tense chapter in Uganda’s most storied football rivalry.
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